Sociology of Work

These transformations have led to the introduction of the production line, businesses improving efficiency by gaining economies of scale, standardizing of work process, the expansion of sieve co-operations, amongst many other changes (Grafton 2011). This reflects the ideas and thinking of Henry Ford; he developed a model of work which described the ‘production process. ‘ Whether or not these changes have benefited society goes unanswered, it has however broadened opportunities for generations to come.

Before the advent of industrial capitalism 200 years ago in England, work referred in a generalized way to activities directed at satisfying the human need for survival, for the vast majority, at a subsistence level (Cudgel 2006). There is an inevitable change, continuity and shift in paid work and unpaid work, industrial work and office work. However, the purpose and self- determination in the success of life has remained apparent since the very beginning. Lady Grant writes, “…

We want safety for ourselves and those we love; we like to be cherished and find a sense of belonging in the communities we live in; we need a sense of achievement and of a job well done… This is the basic plot of people, their families and their communities from the very beginning… This notion of aspiring and achievement has always been the core of work and careers. However, Grantor’s ‘Five Forces’ describes a future where people will become reliant on technology, not having to rely on their ability and skills.

This will become a problem for society; people will no longer aspire to get a higher education in order to work at a respected level as technology replaces jobs. The major force of work is technology, and it continues to transform the everyday nature of work and common conversations amongst colleagues. Grafton states (p. 0, 2011 ) ‘The fascinating part of the past, present and the future is, while the trappings may have changed, the basic human plot remains essentially the same…

What has changed are the trappings of technology and connectivity, and the trappings of the material goods that surround us. ‘ The use of technology is an obvious change in the work force, which allows people to work differently than they did a decade ago. Since the introduction of the first personal computer in the 1 sass, it has become an essential tool, if not the central aspect Of work. Although technology has been said to increase efficiency, it has also been argued to take away from the person’s very own ability and skills (Maintain & Thomson 2011).

With technology, the future of work will expand, but sadly create a loss of jobs for many people, which will then create more problems for society. Discussing the future of work and the prediction of where it will go and how changes will arise is a complex issue. The changes seen throughout history and in society has been an inevitable change; work is very much similar. Work is a defining, all-consuming part of our lives. Now, more than ever, the speed at which the nature of work is changing is having an extraordinary impact on working lives every.

Inhere. Lynda Grantor’s ground breaking book looks at the five forces that will fundamentally change the way we work in the next 10 10th years: globalization, society, longevity and demography, technology, and energy sources. In many ways, Grafton suggests the ‘FUtUre of work’ and the shift of work is moving so quickly, the future may even be around the corner. It remains to be seen whether this will be a bad thing or a good thing.

The invaluable advice that Lynda imparts, however, is that there are three key shifts that we as individual can look to make to prepare ourselves for the fast- moving world of work. In the next 10-15 years, whatever your age, one of the most crucial questions you face is how the future of work will develop and the impact on organizations and individuals. If you are now aged 30, you can expect to work for the next 40 years -? that means in 2050 you will be a member of the workforce.

If you are 50, you can expect to be actively employed for another that’s 2030. ‘The shift’ makes clear that, although there are clear 20 years cases of change, it also suggests the importance of work for society; families and communities. If you have young children, they could be working until 2070. Work is, and always has been, one of the most defining aspects of our lives. It is where we meet our friends, excite ourselves and feel at our most creative and innovative. Therefore, the changes and shifts Of work reflect people and societal changes.